From October 23 to November 3, 2026, the grounds around Kokura Castle are lit by bamboo lanterns – the organisers work to a target of 30,000. Each one is bamboo with holes bored through it and a light set inside, so the light comes out as patterns.
THE REASON IT EXISTS
Kitakyushu has one of the largest areas of bamboo forest in the country. As groves are abandoned, bamboo spreads into surrounding woodland. In 2019, someone proposed taking the bamboo cut to control that spread and turning it into lanterns. When the event ends, the bamboo is processed into soil conditioner, fertiliser and charcoal.
WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE
The lanterns are cut and set by residents, schools, universities, community groups, companies and volunteers. Kokura Castle’s white walls and dark tiled roofs rise above the points of light, which also spread through the Toranomon entrance, the Path of History and the Uomachi area.
HOW TO VISIT
- Dates: October 23-November 3, 2026
- Hours: 18:00-21:00; last entry 20:30
- Scale: About 30,000 bamboo lanterns
- Admission: 1,000 yen; includes same-day entry to Kokura Castle and Japanese Garden
- Official Info: kokurajotakeakari.com
Source: Kitakyushu City | kokurajotakeakari.com